“one of the best zoos for kids!”

The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals including 200 endangered species and participates in 37 Species Survival Plans (SSPs) to breed and maintain endangered species populations in captivity.
At the Phoenix Zoo we are dedicating a portion of our efforts to a sanctuary for animals that need our help because they have no other place to live. The animals you'll see in Sanctuary include White Rhinos, Asian Elephants, Mexican gray wolf, Cheetahs, Arabian oryx, and a host of other animals. These animals are part of Sanctuary for various reasons. Some of the animals are threatened with extinction and in need of captive-breeding programs. They will live here and produce offspring that will go on to restore wild populations. Our three Asian elephants and other animals that have behavioral problems will get a chance for a better life through the special attention given in Sanctuary. Animals retired from breeding programs and animals that are not needed for breeding programs get lifelong quality care. Sanctuary also includes animals that are being rehabilitated for return to the wild or animals that have an illness or injury that keeps them from ever living a normal life if returned to the wild.There are Sanctuary animals located throughout the zoo; however we have decided to create specific space within the zoo for a large portion of the Sanctuary animals. The back loop of the Zoo, from Desert Lives to the Crossroads Snack bar, is dedicated to our Sanctuary animals.